"I appreciate your support and will definitely do everything within my power to fulfill the obligation of the seat," Davis told council after the vote.

It is the second time this year council had to fill a vacancy, and a third vacancy is expected to open by the end of the year.

Davis, 60, was chosen from a slate of 14 applicants and, while the first vacancy took eight rounds of voting, only one round was required tonight before Davis was chosen.

"I congratulate you, and I look forward to your wisdom and your intelligence and your passion for the city," Councilwoman Jeanette Eichenwald said after the vote.

Davis will hold the seat for nearly two years, and has the option of running in the 2013 general election for another two-year term.

Five of the current city council seats -- all but those of Eichenwald and Peter Schweyer -- will be up for grabs in the 2013 election.

Davis is a chapter chairman and business agent representative for Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Local #5, and a past president of the Midway Manor Community Association.

A resident of the Midway Manor community, Davis is now the only council member from the city's east side. Some residents have previously raised concerns about lack of east side representation on the board.

Davis said he views the continued development of downtown Allentown and the city's waterfront as one of the most important issues facing the city.

"A vibrant Center City can only lead to an expansion of improvement throughout the city," he said. "If one is successful, I believe the others will follow."